OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-03-31-accounts

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9376B153-99A6-4770-A304-C3F7C9A633AB

Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered Charity Number 1188715

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 1[st] April 2022 to 31[st] March 2023

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9376B153-99A6-4770-A304-C3F7C9A633AB

----- Start of picture text -----
1 [st] April –
31 [st] March
2022-2023
----- End of picture text -----

Trustee Annual Report from 1[st] April 2022 to 31[st] March 2023

Our trustees, partners and staff at 31[st] March 2023

Trustees

Robin Amos Chairperson Laura Hawksworth Vice Chair Howard Jones Treasurer Tony Sutton Committee Claire Parker Committee Mary Bradley Committee (resigned 16[th] Aug 2022) Robin Amos Committee Verity Gibson Committee Paul Scott Committee (15[th] March 2023)

Social Services Representative

Paul Bowerbank

Rotary House Representative

Andy De'Ath & Mark Templeman

Staff

Sue Moore Chief Executive Teresa Howard Deputy Manager -Deaf Advocacy Worker Mary Chambers Deaf Community Worker Mary Bradley Admin & Information Assistant

Language Aides

Ann Marsh

2

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9376B153-99A6-4770-A304-C3F7C9A633AB

1[st] April – 31[st] March 2022-2023

Charity Information

Bank Charities Aid Foundation CAF Bank Limited.

Independent Examiner

Andrew Parker F.C.C.A, Andrew Parker Associates Ltd, Unit 7, Beech Avenue Business Park, Beech Avenue, Taverham, Norwich NR8 6HW.

Formation

Deaf Connexions Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) (“Deaf Connexions”) was incorporated on 23rd March 2020, with Charity number 1188715.

Governance

Trustees are recruited through the organisation’s close links with the deaf community and links with other organisations dedicated to improving the lives of Deaf people. Trustees are appointed for terms of 3 years in accordance with the charity’s constitution.

For decisions which can only be made by members of Deaf Connexions, all trustees are members and vice versa. All Trustees are on the Management Committee which provides oversight and direction to the organisation. From time to time the trustees will delegate specific functions to a sub-group, and from time-to-time non-voting representatives of partner organisations will be invited to Management Committee meetings to provide knowledge and support.

Management and activities

Deaf Connexions is managed on a day-to-day basis by its Chief Executive, guided by decisions made by the Trustees.

The charity provides the following services to the deaf community under contracts or framework agreements with third party organisations:

Until 30 June 2022 Deaf Connexions provided a sign language Communication Service for deaf people, primarily through the INTRAN framework agreement.

3

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9376B153-99A6-4770-A304-C3F7C9A633AB

----- Start of picture text -----
1 [st] April –
31 [st] March
2022-2023
----- End of picture text -----

Subject to grant funding, Deaf Connexions delivers specific projects such as BSL training, and more recently, work relating to the long-term impact of the pandemic on the deaf community.

Risks and opportunities

The main risks facing the charity relate to its income being reliant on a small number of major contracts. The Trustees have considered this risk and consider that due to the nature of the service, the proven ability to meet commitments and renew contracts and the on-going impact of the Equality Act, the charity continues to look forward to a successful future.

However, the environment has been subject to change, an example being the withdrawal of parts of the health service from INTRAN in 2020 which resulted in a permanent reduction in income. As a result of this and other factors, Deaf Connexions has closed its communications service, sadly requiring a reduction in the number of staff and some redundancies. On the positive side, the organisation no longer has the risks of underwriting the costs associated with a large but marginally profitable contract.

Deaf Connexions continues to manage Rotary House for the Deaf, the Norwich Deaf Centre, and the Specialist Information Advice & Advocacy contract has been renewed in 2022, so despite the loss of the Communications service Deaf Connexions has ensured its long-term future supporting the Deaf community.

Volunteers

Deaf Connexions uses volunteers to assist with its administrative and other functions. It is grateful for their efforts.

Employee involvement and employment of disabled people

Employees are consulted on issues of concern to them by means of open day-to-day management, and regular staff meetings.

The charity has implemented a number of detailed policies in relation to all aspects of personnel matters including Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and Policies relating to the disclosure and baring Service – recruitment of ex-offenders. In accordance with the charity's equal opportunities policy, the charity has fair employment practices in the recruitment, selection, retention and training of disabled staff.

4

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9376B153-99A6-4770-A304-C3F7C9A633AB

1[st] April – 31[st] March 2022-2023

Chairman’s Report

This year has seen many changes, as we reported last year we had to make the very difficult decision to close our Communication Service however I am pleased to report that this has assured that Deaf Connexions is now financially stable and secure and we can look forward to continuing to provide services and support for the future.

Since the changes to the Interpreter service there have been ongoing difficulties for our Deaf Community to obtain Interpreters especially for health appointments and we continue to work with all providers to try and improve this service.

Our Information, Advice and Advocacy Services continues to provide daily support for our Deaf Community and is working well under the new contract arrangements. There are still major barriers when trying to access services for Deaf people.

The Deaf Community Centre is well attended and busy. We were very grateful to the National Lottery for funding some of our activities and IT support this year which has helped some of our Deaf Community gain new skills and confidence.

We continue to work in partnership with Rotary House for the Deaf and we would like to thank them again this year for donating the rent we pay for office space back to supporting the Deaf Community.

I would like to thank all our funders, staff and Volunteers for all their support.

Robin Amos

Chairman

5

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9376B153-99A6-4770-A304-C3F7C9A633AB

----- Start of picture text -----
1 [st] April –
31 [st] March
2022-2023
----- End of picture text -----

Report on Services and Projects

Communication Service

Deaf Connexions sadly closed the Communication Service at the end of June, however in the months of April, May and June we provided 226 bookings.

The INTRAN contract moved to new providers and we worked closely with them to ensure a smooth transition of the service.

We continue to work with both Interpreter Service Companies who provide for Norfolk to enable the Deaf Community to feedback and assist development.

Language Aide

We continue to work with just one family and have provided 22 sessions of support.

Open Door and Advocacy

This year we have worked on 1,018 enquiries, this is under the new contract from Norfolk County Council with our lead provider Equal Lives. The majority of the queries we get are connected with access to services. It is increasingly difficult for our Deaf Community to gain access now that so many services are online only.

Rotary House

Tenants are supported Monday to Thursday with set “Open Door Times” where they can come to see us face to face, outside that there is a 24/7 mobile phone support during the day and for emergency outside office hours.

The Garden project has gone well again this year, with lots of fruit and vegetables grown. Renovations to flats have been taking place and we are in the process of converting the communal bathroom into an accessible shower room.

It was with great sadness that we lost three of our long standing tenants due to ill health, they are greatly missed.

The Deaf Centre

The Deaf Centre has been busy with regular groups and lots of activities. The National Lottery Community Fund helped us to provide a desk top pc and training and support sessions to assist people to learn more and use the PC for accessing their online benefit accounts etc. Our Healthy walks every two weeks are always popular and the Café continues to provide light refreshment for our BSL Coffee Morning and for the groups that attend the centre.

6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9376B153-99A6-4770-A304-C3F7C9A633AB

1[st] April – 31[st] March 2022-2023

Summary of financial results

Introduction

This is the third year of trading for Deaf Connexions Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which, on 1 April 2020, took over the trade and assets of the predecessor Deaf Connexions charity.

Income and expenditure

The financial year to 31 March 2023 was defined to a large extent by the ending of the Communications Service and a reduction in staff, while maintaining the range of other services provided by Deaf Connexions. Most services broadly break-even, with the Advocacy and information service showing a surplus in the year helping to cover management and overheads. Non-trading income of £7,842 was the result of a generous donation in kind from Rotary House, equivalent to office rental.

The restricted reserves of £7,951 at the beginning of the year were all fully used during the year. The general fund surplus over the year was £8,275, resulting in reserves carried forward of £118,002.

Reserves

Taking over the trade and assets of the predecessor Deaf Connexions charity enabled the CIO to start off with a healthy initial reserve on 1 April 2020. This has been vital when coming out of the pandemic restrictions, and has enabled the services to change and evolve.

As a result of a reduction in the charities contracted activities, and therefore greater exposure to a smaller number of contracts, trustees agreed a revised target for reserves in December 2022. The general reserves at 31 March of £118,002 are within the trustee’s revised target of between 50% and 100% of forecast annual income. This target is designed to manage cash-flows, as well as providing a buffer when services are re-defined and re-tendered and to underwrite and provide funding for smaller projects designed to help the deaf community.

Approved by the Trustees

Chairman Robin Amos

7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9376B153-99A6-4770-A304-C3F7C9A633AB

----- Start of picture text -----
1 [st] April –
31 [st] March
2022-2023
----- End of picture text -----

Independent Examiner’s Report for the year ended 31 March 2023

To the Trustees of Deaf Connexions:

I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Independent Examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not a requirement for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act), and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the financial statements present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the trustees have not met the requirements to ensure that:

  2. proper accounting records are kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. financial statements are prepared which agree with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act; or

  4. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Andrew Parker F.C.C.A Andrew Parker Associates Ltd Unit 7, Beech Avenue Business Park Date: Beech Avenue, Taverham Aug-01-2023 | 3:52:16 PM BST Norwich NR8 6HW

8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9376B153-99A6-4770-A304-C3F7C9A633AB

1[st] April – 31[st] March 2022-2023

Deaf Connexions Accounts Year to 31 March 2023

Balance sheet

Current assets
Debtors
Debtors control account
Cash at bank and in hand
Total current assets
Short term creditors
Creditors control account
Deferred income
Accruals
Net assets
Unrestricted income funds
Restricted funds
General reserve		 0
3,677		 31-Mar-2023
£
16,675
105,004
121,679
3,677
118,002
0
118,002
118,002		 0
4,823		 31-Mar-2022
£
11,007
111,494
122,501
4,823
117,678
7,951
109,727
117,678

Signed on behalf of the Trustees

H Jones, Treasurer

Date

9

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9376B153-99A6-4770-A304-C3F7C9A633AB

1[st] April – 31[st] March

2022-2023

Accounts Year to 31 March 2023 Statement of financial activities - including income and expenditure account

Incoming resources
Income from charitable trading
Communication service
Deaf Centre
Rotary House
Language Aide
Advocacy and Open Door
Other projects
Interest received
Other incoming resources
Total incoming resources
Expenditure
Charitable expenditure
Communication service
Deaf Centre
Rotary House
Language Aide
Advocacy and Open Door
Other projects
Governance costs
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Funds balance brought forward
Funds balance carried
forward		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
£		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
£		 31-Mar-2023
Total Funds
£
69,567
15,291
26,323
1,063
45,923
595
158,762
455
7,842
167,059
69,988
15,864
27,137
1,830
41,174
8,341
164,334
2,401
166,735
324
117,678
**118,002 **		 31-Mar-
2022
£
69,567
15,291
26,323
1,063
45,923
595		 0 69,567
15,291
26,323
1,063
45,923
595		 162,929
15,889
23,533
1,266
42,052
11,015
158,762
0
455
7,842		 256,684
5
8,891
167,059
0		 265,580
69,988
15,864
27,137
1,830
41,174
390		 7,951 69,988
15,864
27,137
1,830
41,174
8,341		 165,517
19,639
30,418
2,170
38,971
5,754
156,383 7,951 **164,334 ** 262,469
2,401 **2,401 ** 2,792
158,784
7,951		 265,261
8,275
-7,951
109,727
7,951		 319
117,359
118,002
0		 117,678

10

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9376B153-99A6-4770-A304-C3F7C9A633AB

1[st] April – 31[st] March 2022-2023

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March2023

Statement of Compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The charity has opted to adopt Bulletin 1 published on 2 February 2016 and has therefore not included a cash flow statement in these financial statements.

Apart from a small number of additional disclosures, no changes have been made to the content or format of these accounts, and no prior year adjustments have been made.

Basis of preparation

Deaf Connexions meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

The general fund is an unrestricted fund which is available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

1. Accounting policies

 Fund accounting

The general fund is an unrestricted fund which is available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purpose funds and restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors.

Incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

11

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9376B153-99A6-4770-A304-C3F7C9A633AB 1[st] April – 31[st] March 2022-2023

Our Core income relates to our Contract Agreements with Norfolk County Council: “Deaf Community Centre”, “Language Aide” and “Open Door& Advocacy. Until 30 June 2022 Deaf Connexions provided the “INTRAN” sign language communication service.

In addition Deaf Connexions services a management contract for the management of Rotary House for the Deaf.

 Resources expended

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.

Staff costs and other costs which cannot be attributed to a particular heading have been allocated based on an analysis of the proportion of time spent by each staff member.

 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets costing more than £2,500 and not funded directly through contract or grant are capitalised and included at cost including any incidental expense of acquisition. The charity currently has no tangible fixed assets. When it does, depreciation will be provided.

 Pension costs

The charity contributes to a pension scheme which is available to all staff and provides a 3% contribution to The People’s Pension.

2. Income

Incoming resources – Income from charitable trading

Communication Service Breakdown

INTRAN contract income
Invoiced and other earned income
Total Communication Service income		 2023 2022
£ £
41,847 135,872
27,720 £27,057
69,567 162,929

Note: INTRAN incorporates service agreements with a number of public sector organisations including Norfolk County Council and the Health Service excluding primary care and covers Sign Language interpreting, Lipspeaking and other interpreting related services. Deaf Connexions provided services through INTRAN until 30 June 2022.

12

----- Start of picture text -----
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9376B153-99A6-4770-A304-C3F7C9A633AB
1 [st] April –
31 [st] March
2022-2023
----- End of picture text -----

3. Trustee remuneration

Fees totaling £721 were paid to two trustees in their capacities as a communications support worker and cleaner.

Certain trustees may benefit indirectly through availability of externally funded services for deaf people on the same basis as any service user.

4. Staff costs

As at 31 March 2023 employees totaled 1 full - time and 2 part-time. No member of staff received a salary of more than £60,000 in the year to 31[st] March 2023. All staff have been enrolled in an approved auto-enrolment pension scheme.

2023
£		 2022
£
Wages/salaries 107,883 159,326
Social security costs 7.648 13,804
Pensions 2,586 4,757
Total 118,117 177,887

5. Financial commitments

At 31st March 2023, Deaf Connexions had no long term commitments.

13

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9376B153-99A6-4770-A304-C3F7C9A633AB

1[st] April – 31[st] March 2022-2023

6. Analysis of movement on reserves

Restricted funds
National Lottery
Designated funds
General fund
Total funds		 1-Apr-2022
31-Mar-2023
b'fwd
Income
Expenditure
c'fwd
£
£
£
£
7,951
0
(7,951)
0
7,951
0
(7,951)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
109,727
167,059
(158,784)
118,002
117,678
167,059
(166,735)
118,002

7. Support Costs

Payroll
Stationary
Equipment
Membership
Training
Photocopier
Rent/Rates
Telephone
Insurance
AGM/Charity inc independent examination
Office exp		 2023
£
2022
£
1,697
1,488
368
318
3,118
755
264
732
665
723
1,406
2,040
8,360
7,674
2,426
2,754
2,553
2,498
1,920
2,008
408
673
23,185
21,663

Support costs have been allocated across services on the basis of staff costs for each service.

14

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9376B153-99A6-4770-A304-C3F7C9A633AB

1[st] April – 31[st] March 2022-2023

8. Analysis of resources expended by expenditure type

Communication service
Deaf Centre
Rotary House management
Language Aide
Advocacy and Open Door
Other projects
Governance costs		 Staff
Freelance
and
Other
Costs
travel costs
Costs
Total
Total
2023
2023
2023
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
£
41,77
21,065
7,152
69,988
165,518
11,411
2,500
1,953
15,864
19,639
23,170
0
3,967
27,137
30,418
335
1,438
57
1,830
2,170
35,121
4
6,013
41,174
38,971
4,254
3,359
728
8,341
5,754
2,056
(7)
352
2,401
2,792
118,118
28,395
20,222
166,735
265,261

Deaf Connexions

Rotary House

King Street Norwich NR1 2BL

Text phone 01603 661113

www.deafconnexions.org.uk

mail@deafconnexions.org.uk

15